Artist impression of the Chandra Telescope is in orbit around Earth.NASA

A long Chandra observation of Tycho has revealed a pattern of X-ray "stripes" never seen before in a supernova remnant. The stripes are seen in the high-energy X-rays (blue) that also show the blast wave, a shell of extremely energetic electrons.X-ray: NASA/CXC/Rutgers/K.Eriksen et al.; Optical: DSS

Astronomers used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and a suite of other telescopes to reveal one of the most powerful black holes known. The black hole is in a galaxy cluster named RX J1532 and has created enormous structures in the hot gas surrounding it and prevented trillions of stars from forming.X-ray: NASA/CXC/Stanford/J.Hlavacek-Larrondo et al, Optical: NASA/ESA/STScI/M.Postman & CLASH team

Mission name: Chandra

Chandra X-Ray Observatory

NASA's flagship mission for X-ray astronomy.

Mission OverviewNASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory is a telescope specially designed to detect X-ray emission from very hot regions of the Universe such as exploded stars, clusters of galaxies, and matter around black holes. Because X-rays are absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere, Chandra must orbit above it, up to an altitude of 139,000 km (86,500 mi) in space. The Smithsonian’s Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA, hosts the Chandra X-ray Center which operates the satellite, processes the data, and distributes it to scientists around the world for analysis.

Relevance to Astrobiology
Chandra is designed to observe X-rays from high-energy regions of the universe, such as the remnants of exploded stars. Chandra’s sensitivity makes possible detailed studies of black holes, supernovas, and dark matter; and has increased our understanding of the origin, evolution, and destiny of the Universe. Chandra provides astrobiologists with information about stars and the conditions in which planetary systems form. The mission provides insight into the basic structure of the Universe and distribution of radiation that could play a role in the habitability of planets.

NASA Astrobiology Involvement
Data from Chandra informs numerous studies supported by the NASA Astrobiology Program. This data is used in models that help researchers better understand the Universe and the conditions in which planetary systems form and evolve. Scientific results from Chandra are helping exoplanet researchers understand the types of systems that could support habitable planets.

NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the European Space Agency’s XMM Newton Observatory were used to observe a dip in X-ray intensity as the planet HD 189733b transited its parent star. It was the first time astronomers observed the transit of a planet outside the Solar System in X-rays. The X-ray data suggested the planet HD 189733b had a larger atmosphere than previously thought.

April 24, 2017Dispersal of Elements by Supernovas

Images from Chandra have helped researchers study the dispersal of calcium and other elements by supernovas. In 2017, astronomers reported the discovery of a solar-type star within the young galactic supernova remnant RCW 86 that was strongly polluted with calcium and other elements. (Gvaramadze, V. et al. 2017. A solar-type star polluted by calcium-rich supernova ejecta inside the supernova remnant RCW 86. Nature Astronomy. doi:10.1038/s41550-017-0116)

January 07, 2013Streams of High-Energy Particles

Chandra revealed that whirling neutron stars only twelve miles in diameter can generate streams of high-energy particles that extend for light years. The finding provides new insight into the nature of some of the densest matter in the Universe.

November 23, 2015The Power of Black Holes

Astronomers used Chandra and a suite of other telescopes to reveal one of the most powerful black holes known. The black hole has created enormous structures in the hot gas surrounding it and prevented trillions of stars from forming. Energy from the rotation of the black hole and surrounding gas is converted into powerful jets and winds that can influence the destiny of an entire galaxy.

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Mission Facts

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Gathering X-Ray DataX-rays are focused by the mirrors to a spot about half as wide as a human hair

Chandra combines its mirrors with four science instruments to capture and probe the X-rays. Two additional science instruments (LETG and HETG) provide detailed information about the X-ray energy.

Deployment from Space Shuttle ColumbiaDelivering Chandra was the primary goal of STS-93

Chandra was carried to space by the Space Shuttle Columbia on mission STS-93. Chandra now flies 200 times higher than Hubble – more than 1/3 of the way to the moon.